Composite expansion joint assembly

ABSTRACT

A composite expansion joint assembly of alternating elastic sealing elements and rigid structural members slidably mounted on transversely extending support bars by tie-down assemblies restricting vertical and rotational displacement of the structural members. Retainer assemblies limit vertical displacement of the supporting bars relative to their supports. Means, including leaf springs, equalize lateral movement of the sealing elements during compression and expansion thereof.

Becht et al. Sept. 9, 1975 [54] COMPOSITE EXPANSION JOINT 3,606,8269/1971 Bowman 404/69 ASSEMBLY 3,699,853 lO/l972 Wicks 404/57 X 3,732,02l5/l973 Rina 404/57 Inventors: R Allen Becht. li m lle; J m 3,826,5837/1974 Pare 404/67 Campbell, Kenmore; James J. Kerschner, Boston, all ofN.Y.; Edward J Kmllman, Hammer], Primary Examiner-Nile C. Byers, Jr.Canada Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Christel & Bean [73] Assignee: AcmeHighway Products Corporation, Buffalo, N.Y.

[57] ABSTRACT [22] Filed: Mar. 11, 1974 [21] AppL 450,107 A compositeexpansion joint assembly of alternating elastic sealing elements andrigid structural members Related Application Data slidably mounted ontransversely extending support [62] Div i of s t o 39572, March 9 973,bars by tie-down assemblies restricting vertical and rotationaldisplacement of the structural members. Re- [52] [1.5. CI 404/68; 14/16ainer ssemblies limit vertical displacement of the [51] Int. Cl. E01C11/02 uppor ing bars relative to their supports. Means, in- [58] Fieldof Search r. 404/57, 58, 69, 68, 67, Cluding leaf springs, equalizelateral movement of the 404/56; 14/16 sealing elements duringcompression and expansion thereof. [56] References Cited UNITED STATESPATENTS 11 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures 2.4l6,584 2/1947 Heltzel 404/57 A i1 o I J T 712 8079 I w 1 1 i. 700 I06 PATENTEB SEP QIEITS COMPOSITEEXPANSION JOINT ASSEMBLY This is a division of application Ser. No.339,572 filed Mar. 9, I973.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to expansion jointsand, more particularly to composite expansion joints of the typeemployed in bridge deck constructions for accommo dating large movementsbetween adjacent deck sections.

Composite expansion joints are conventionally used in thoseconstructions, such as bridge structures and the like, wherein therelative movement between adjacent deck sections in response totemperature changes is too great to be accommodated by a single sealunit. These known composite expansion joints often consist of a seriesof laterally spaced elastic seals separated by rigid structural membersor plates and extend lengthwise of the expansion groove between adjacentbridge deck sections. Such composite expansion joints usually areembedded in the adjoining bridge deck sections in such a manner thatthey are not readily removable, which poses a problem when repair and orreplacement are indicated. As a result, large sections of the bridgedeck adjacent to the expansion joint must be cut away to gain access tothe expansion joint components embedded in the deck sections on oppositesides of the ex pansion groove.

Also, in many of these prior composite joint assemblies, theintermediate rigid members tend to shift vertically and sometimes tiltabout the longitudinal axis thereof as traffic moves thcreacross,causing distortion of the expansion joint assembly and creatingundesirable noise. Often, excessive friction is generated upon relativesliding movement of the various components, causing wear thereof andcreating additional noise. Also, these elastic seals are not alwayscontracted and expanded uniformly, thereby causing unequal stressestherein resulting in premature failure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the presentinvention to provide an improved composite expansion joint assemblyovercoming the above noted disadvantages.

It is another object of this invention to provide a composite expansionjoint assembly having components which are readily removable forreplacement or repair without completely removing the joint from thebridge deck.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide theforegoing composite expansion joint assembly with means for restrainingvertical and tilting movement of various components forming a part ofthis assembly and to minimize friction between relatively movablecomponents thereof for quietness in use.

It is a further object of this invention to provide the foregoingcomposite expansion joint assembly with means equalizing lateralmovement of the expansion joint during contraction and expansionthereof.

The composite expansion joint assembly of this invention ischaracterized by the provision of a plurality of resiliently yieldablesealing elements adjacent ones of which are supported in laterallyspaced relation by structural I-beams slidably mounted on transverselyextending support bars having opposite end portions projecting axiallybeyond the sides of the expansion groove, the support bars being swunglaterally into the confines of the groove for removal of the same fromthe groove for servicing or replacement. Restraining assemblies limitvertical displacement of the support bars relative to their supports andthe I-beams relative to the support bars, respectively. Means areprovided for equalizing the movement of the sealing elements duringexpansion and contraction thereof.

The foregoing and other objects, advantages and characterizing featuresof the present invention will become clearly apparent from the ensuingdetailed description of an illustrative embodiment thereof, takentogether with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numeralsdenote like parts throughout the various views.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. I is a plan view of a compositeexpansion joint assembly of indeterminate length, constructed in accordanee with this invention, and shown disposed between a pair ofbridge deck sections;

FIG. 2 is a perspective bottom plan view of a cap member used inconjunction with this invention;

FIG. 3 is a transverse sectional view, on an enlarged scale, taken abouton line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a transverse sectional view, on an enlarged scale, taken abouton line 4-4 of FIG. I;

FIG 5 is a fragmentary, longitudinal sectional view, taken about on line5-5 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary, longitudinal sectional view, taken about online 66 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a shoe element used in conjunction withthis invention; and

FIG. 8 is a horizontal sectional view, taken about on line 88 of FIG 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT Referring to theillustrative embodiment depicted in the drawings, there is shown in FIG.I a composite ex pansion joint assembly, generally designated 10,constructed in accordance with this invention and shown installed in anexpansion groove of substantial width between adjacent bridge deck slabsor sections 12 and I4 formed of reinforced concrete or any othersuitable material, which can extend downwardly to the bottom of jointassembly 10, or thcrebelow, as dictated by the specific construction.Bridge deck sections 12 and I4 are provided with edge channels 16 and I8permanently anchored in a conventional manner to the respective decksections and which have opposed vertical faces 20 and 22 (FIG. 3)defining the lateral sides of the expansion groove in which expansionjoint assem bly I0 is installed. Joint assembly 10 extends across thewidth of the groove between faces 20 and 22 for the full length of thegroove transversely to the length of sections 12 and 14.

The lower flanges of edge channels 16 and I8 are rigidly secured tohorizontally extending plates 24 as by means of welding for example. Apair of bearing bars 26 are juxtaposed against the inner faces 20 and 22of edge channels 16 and 18 within the groove defined therebetween forslidably supporting a support bar 28, which extends transversely acrossthe expansion groove and through specially configurated openings 30(FIG. 5) provided in the lower portions of edge channels 16 and 18.Bearing bars 26 extend transversely of support bar 28 and are providedwith slightly arcuately-shaped upper bearing surfaces 32. Bearing bars26 are secured at their opposite ends by means of bolts 34 threaded intoplates 24. Bolts 34 are provided with enlarged heads which serve tolimit lateral movement of support bar 28.

A plurality of support bars 28 are provided and extend transverselyacross the expansion groove in laterally spaced apart relationlengthwise of the groove. Bars 28 support the anticipated loading on theexpansion joint and are of a size and spacing dictated by the particularapplication. The opposite ends of each support bar 28 are enclosedwithin protective casings 38 built up from structural plates andprojecting outwardly away from the expansion groove.

Each support bar 28 comprises a generally flat-sided, solid body 40having a bottom layer 42 of stainless steel for example, which slides onbearing bars 26. The upper surface of body 40 also is provided with alayer 44 of stainless steel to facilitate sliding movement of thel-beams thereon, as will hereinafter be described. These layers ofstainless steel also offer resistance against corrosion to prolong theuseful life of support bars 28. Support bars 28 are movable relative tobear ing bars 26 during expansion and contraction of the joint uponcontraction and expansion of bridge deck sections 12 and 14. A pair ofstuds 46 and 48 project laterally from the opposite sides of body 40adjacent the opposite ends thereof and are engagable with the outerfaces of edge channels 16 and 18 for limiting movement of support bar 28in either axial direction. Rigidly secured to the upper end of supportbar 28 along one side thereof by means of screw fasteners 50 is anelongated restraining bar 52 for a purpose to be explained.

A pair of seal locking channel members 54 extend lengthwise of theexpansion groove and have upper flanges 56 and lower flanges 58. Theouter face of channel members 54 are secured to vertical faces and 22 ofedge channels 16 and l8 respectively, as by means of welding forexample.

A plurality of resiliently yieldable sealing elements 60 are disposedbetween seal locking channel members 54 with the outermost sealingelements 60 received and positioned between flanges 56 and 58 of channelmembers 54 as shown in FIG. 3. A plurality of Lbeam members 62 also arepositioned within the space defined by locking channels 54, there beingan l-beam 62 interposed bctween each pair of adjacent sealing elements60. While three such scaling elements 60 are shown in the illustrativeembodiment depicted in FIG. 3, it should be understood that more or lessthen three sealing elements 60 can be utilized in the expansion joint ofthis invention, depending on the width of the expansion groove.

Sealing elements 60 comprise tubular members of elastomeric materialeach having an internal supporting truss structure which can takevarious configura' tions, and are secured to channel members 54 and theopposite sides of l-beam members 62 by a suitable adhesive, all in amanner well known in the art. Each lbeam member 62 is provided with avertical web 64 and upper and lower flanges 66 and 68 extendinglaterally outwardly from opposite sides of web 64. These flanges 66 and68 receive and position the intermediate sealing elements 60 in place.

l-beam members 62 are supported on bar 28 for lateral sliding movementrelative thereto and the lower flanges 68 of I-beam members 62 arecapped with bearing shoes 70 (FIGS. 3 and 7) of generally Ushapedconfiguration adapted to conform to the shape of flanges 68 and attachedthereto. These shoes 70 are spaced longitudinally along I-beam members62 at substantially equal distances corresponding to the distancebetween support bars 28 and are aligned therewith. The outer surface ofthe straight portion of each shoe 70 is provider with a layer ofanti-friction, wear resistant material 72, such as filledpolytetrafluoroethylene for example. The filled polytetrafluoroethylenelayer 72 bearing against the stainless steel layer 44 on bar 28 reducesfriction to a minimum, facilitating sliding movement between l-beams 62and support bars 28 and dampening the noise therebetween. Of course,other suitable materials exhibiting similar anti-friction, wearresistant characteristics can be used in lieu of filledpolytetrafluoroethylene, if desired.

Means are provided for adjustably restraining support bars 28 againstvertical lifting or bouncing on bearing bars 26. Such means comprise apair of composite bearing block assemblies, generally designated 76,mounted in casings 38 and supported on the top surfaces of each supportbar 28 adjacent the opposite ends thereof. Each assembly 76 includes agenerally rectangular block 78 of a resiliently yieldable material, suchas neoprene for example, an intermediate layer 79 of rigid material,such as steel, and an outer layer 80 of anti-friction, wear resistantmaterial, such as filled polytetrafluoroethylene for example, engagablewith the stainless steel lining 44 on the upper surface of support bar28. Layers 79 and 80 can be adhesively fixedly secured by any suitablelaminating process. A cap 82 is mounted on block 78 and is provided withdependent flanges 84 overlying the upper side portions of block 78. Theinner surface of cap 82 is provided with a grid arrangement (FIG. 2)comprised of intersecting ribs 86 having a generally V-shapedconfiguration in cross section (FIG. 5), adapted to be firmly impressedin the upper surface of block 78 for interlocking engagement therewithpreventing relative sliding movement therebetween in a horizontal plane.

The upper surface of cap 82 is provided with a central, inwardly dishedportion 87 adapted to receive the distal end of an adjustment screw 88threaded through a bushing 90 mounted in the top wall of casing 38.Screw 88 is effective to adjust the bearing pressure on support bar 28.The exposed portion of screw 88 is protectively encased in a compartment92 defined by the top wall of casing 38, the upper web portion and upperflange of the edge channel, and cover plates 94 fixedly secured at theiropposite ends to the casing top wall and the edge channel upper flange.In order to gain access to the heads of screws 88, openings 96 areprovided in the upper flanges of edge channels 16 and 18. Suitable plugs98 are threaded into openings 96 to prevent dirt and other debris fromentering into compartment 92. Thus, restraining assembly 76 bearsagainst support bar 28 to hold such bars 28 firmly against theirassociated bearing bars 26 and restrict vertical lifting thereof orbouncing on bearing bars 26. The resiliently yieldable material of whichblock 78 is formed serves to dampen or cushion vertical movements ofsupport bar 28 thereby reducing noise caused by vehicle trafi'tc on thebridge deck. Also, the low friction characteristic of the filledpolytetrafluoroethylene layer 80 facilitates sliding movement betweensupport bar 28 and restrain ing block assembly 76.

lbeam members 62 are held against unrestrained bouncing on support bars28. To this end, a plurality of tie-down assemblies. generallydesignated 100, are connected to the bottom surfaces of the I-beammembers 62 for restraining or limiting vertical displacement of l-beammembers 62 relative to support bars 28. Such tie-down assemblies 100 arespaced longitudinally along l-beam members 62 in a staggered relation sothat at least one assembly 100 is provided for cooperation with therestraining bar 52 of each support bar 28. As shown in FIGS. 3, 6 and 8,each tie-down assembly 100 comprises a bracket 102 welded or otherwisefixedly secured to the bottom surface of l-beam member 62 and having aweb 104 and a pair of right angularly related plates 106 extendingoutwardly from web 104. A pair of bolts 108 extend through plates 106and a plate 110 positioned against the inner faces of plates 106.Washers 112 are interposed between the bolt heads and the outer faces ofplates 106 and nuts 114 are threaded on the distal ends of bolts 108.Nuts 114 are provided with upper, arcuately curved, bearing surfaces 116for bearing engagement with the bottom surface of restraining bar 52.Thus, upward movement of I-beam member 62 is limited by the engagementof surfaces 116 of nuts 114 against the lower surface of restraining bar52. Also, the engagement of bearing surfaces 116 with restraining bar 52at spaced points therealong prevents tilting of l-beam member 62 aboutits longitudinal axis, which might otherwise occur as a result of forcescaused by vehicle traffie and/or vehicle braking. A layer of lowfriction material can be provided on surfaces 116 or on the lowersurface of restraining bar 52 to facilitate sliding movement betweennuts 114 and restraining bar 52. Tie-down assemblies 100 severely limitvertical displacement of I-beam members 62 relative to support bars 28,without interfering with relative sliding therebetween. This, togetherwith restraining block assemblies 76, prevents possible deterioration ofsupport bars 28 and I-beams 62 consequent upon unrestained bouncing, andvirtually eliminates the problem of noise.

l-beam members 62 and support bars 28 of expansion joint assembly 10 areinterconnected in a manner enabling them to be readily removed forrepair or replacement or to gain access to bearing bars 26 for repair orreplacement without removing or destroying a portion of bridge decksections 12 and 14 adjacent the expansion groove defined between edgechannels 16 and 18. However, since the opposite ends of support bar 28extend axially outwardly beyond such expansion groove, provision is madefor enabling support bars 28 to swing laterally about a vertical axis,as shown in FIG. 8, to bring the opposite ends thereof within theconfines of the expansion groove defined between edge channels 16 and18. To this end, each opening 30 in edge channel 16 is provided with agenerally square shaped section 120 (FIG. 5) for accommodating sup portbar 28 in its normal position of use perpendicularly to edge channels 16and 18, an offset section 122 on one side of section 120 foraccommodating restraining bar 52, and an elongated, rectangularly-shapedsection 124 on the other side of section 120. Cut-out section 124 has alesser depth than section 120 but slightly greater than the depth ofsupport bar 28. It should be understood that sections 122 and 124 of theopposite opening 30 in edge channel 18 are oriented in oppositedirections so that lateral swinging movement of one end of support bar28 in the direction of arrow A in FIGS. 3 and 8 into section 124 causesthe opposite end of bar 28 to swing in an opposite direction. Theseelongated sections 124 enable support bar 28 to be swung laterally abouta vertical axis from the solid line position to the position shown inphantom in FIG. 8 until the opposite ends thereof clear edge channels 16and 18 for confinement within the expansion joint defined by edgechannels 16 and 18.

In order to remove support bars 28, the bearing pressures of restrainingblock assemblies 76 are relieved by threading screws 88 outwardly,access being had to screws 88 by removing plugs 98 from openings 96 inedge channels 16 and 18 for the insertion of an appropriate tool throughsuch openings 96. The outermost sealing elements are cut away to provideaccess to tie-down assemblies 100, bolts 34 and support bars 28.Tie-down assemblies 100 are disassembled by removing bolts 108 and nuts114 to permit vertical displacement of l-beam members 62 out of theexpansion groove. Alternatively, restraining bars 52 may be detachedfrom support bars 28 to permit vertical dis placement of l-beam members.At least one bolt 34 of each bearing bar 26, adjacent the openingsection 124, is removed to free support bar 28 for lateral movement intosuch sections 124. Support bars 28 can then be swung laterally in themanner shown in FIG. 8 to clear edge channels 16 and 18 until they arewholly disposed within the expansion groove. Support bars 28 can then becompletely removed from the expansion groove for repair or replacementwithout destroying the same and without cutting away or destroyingportions of the adjacent bridge deck sections 12 and 14. Since bearingbars 26 are located within the confines of the expansion groove asdefined by edge channels 16 and 18, they are accessible for repair orreplacement. Upon replacement, support bars 28 are lowered into theexpansion groove to the required level with their longitudinal axesdisposed in a generally longitudinal direction. When bars 28 are alignedwith openings 30, the former are swung laterally to insert the oppositeends thereof into the opposite opening sections 124 until properlypositioned transversely of the expansion groove on bearing bars 26.Bolts 34 can then be threaded into bearing bars 26 for restrictinglateral movement of the opposite ends of support bar 28 and screws 88can be adjusted to urge bearing blocks 76 against the upper surfaces ofsupport bars 28. l-beam members 62 are then lowered into place and tiedown assemblies 100 are assembled to position nuts 114 beneathrestraining bar 52 in the manner shown in FIG. 6. New sealing elements60 are then adhesively secured in place between l-beam members 62 andlocking channels 54. Thus, support bars 28, bearing bars 26 and tie-downassemblies 100 can be easily removed from the expansion groove forrepair or replacement without the customary block out and withoutsevering or destroying any of the structural components.

It is another feature of this invention to provide means atlongitudinally spaced intervals along expansion joint assembly 10 forequalizing the lateral movements of sealing elements 60 duringcompression and expansion thereof. To this end, a plurality of laterallyaligned, heavy-duty leaf springs 130, 132, and 134, corresponding innumber to the number of scaling elements 60 employed, are mounted belowthe later to transmit excessive pressures imparted to one of thesesealing elements 60 to the others thereof. As shown in FIG. 1, each ofthese springs is provided with a flat end portion 136, an elongated,intermediate curved portion 138, and a reversely bent end portion 140.

The means for mounting springs l30134 includes a pair of plates 142 and[44 welded or otherwise fixedly secured to vertical faces and 22 of edgechannels 16 and 18 below channel members 54. l-beam members 62 areprovided with depending plates I46 and 148, respectively, rigidlysecured to the bottom surfaces thereof. As shown in FIG. 1, plates 142and 146 are in lateral alignment and longitudinally offset from plates144 and 148, which also are in lateral alignment. The flat end portions136 of springs 130 and 132 are sccured to plate 146 by means of clampingmembers 150 secured together by means ofa screw fastener 152. Theintermediate curved portions 138 of springs 130 and 132 diverge awayfrom each other, as shown in FIG. 1, and their respective end portions140 bear against plates 142 and 148. The flat end portion of spring 134is secured to plate 144 by means of a clamping member [54 attached toplate 144 by a screw fastener 156. The other end of spring 134 bearsagainst plate 148. These springs l-l34 insure uniform lateral movementof sealing elements 60 during expansion and contraction thereof.Excessive pressures, accompanied by excessive lateral movement, impartedto one of the sealing elements 60 will be transmitted through leafsprings l30-l34 and l-beam members 62 to the other sealing elements 60to equalize the pressure acting thereon, thereby providing uniformlateral movement throughout.

In use, sealing elements 60 of composite expansion joint assembly 10 arecompressed and expanded to accommodate relative movement of bridge decksections 12 and 14 toward and away from each other while maintainingpressure sealing engagement against channels S4 and l-beam members 62 toprevent the entry of moisture, dirt particles, deleterious chemicals andthe like into the joint. During movement of deck sections [2 and 14toward each other, l-beam members 62 move laterally toward each otherwith shoes 70 sliding on support bars 28. Sealing elements 60 arecompressed between locking channels 54 and adjacent beam members 62, thejoint movement of the composite expansion joint assembly of the presentinvention being the sum of the movements of sealing elements 60. Since atypical sealing element in the illustrative em bodiment can becompressed two inches under maximum compression, the total movement inthe illustrated expansion joint assembly will be 6 inches. The number ofsealing elements 60 and l-beam members 62 can of course vary as dictatedby the total movement required for a specific application. Upon movementof deck sections 12 and 14 away from each other, the re verse actionoccurs. l-beam members 62 will move substantially uniformly due to theleaf spring arrangement. It will be appreciated that the expansion jointassembly is shown fully expanded in FIG. 3.

From the foregoing, it is apparent that the present invention fullyaccomplishes its intended objects and provides an improved compositeexpansion joint assembly having components capable of being whollyremoved from an expansion groove even though certain of the elementsforming a part of the assembly project beyond the expansion groove sidewalls in their normal positions of use. The retaining block assemblies76 and the tie-down assemblies limit vertical displacement of the I-beamsupporting bars 28 and the I-beams 62 relative to such bars 28,respectively, to insure a relatively level deck surface and to minimizenoise resulting from overhead traffic loads. Moreover, tie-downassemblies 100 serve to prevent tilting or rocking of l-beams 62 abouttheir longitudinal axes as a result of impact loads caused by vehiclebraking and the like. Heavy-duty leaf springs are utilized to provideuniform lateral move ment of the sealing elements during the compressionand expansion thereof.

One form of this invention having been described and shown in detail, itis to be understood that this has been done by way of illustration only.

We claim:

1. A composite expansion joint assembly comprising: a pair of edgemembers adapted to define the opposite sides of an expansion groovebetween bridge deck sec tions; at least one of said edge members havingopenings therethrough; laterally spaced support bars ex tendingtransversely of said groove with at least one end of said bar extendingthrough said openings beyond the side of said groove; a plurality ofelongated resiliently yieldable sealing elements in a side-by-side relation extending longitudinally of said groove; elongated rigid structuralmembers interposed between said sealing elements and extendinglengthwise thereof; said structural members being supported on saidsupport bars for lateral sliding movement relative thereto; meanssupporting said support bars for sliding movement relative theretoadjacent at least one end thereof; restraining means bearing againstsaid support bars adjacent at least said one end thereof for limitingvertical displacement thereof, and means for selectively adjusting thebearing pressure of said restraining means against said support bar.

2. An assembly as set forth in 1, said restraining means comprising ablock of resiliently yieldable material and an outer layer ofanti-friction wear resistant material bearing against said support bar.

3. An assembly as set forth in 2, together with an intermediate layer ofrigid material between said block and said outer layer.

4. An assembly as set forth in 3, together with a cap mounted on saidblock, adjusting screw means engaging said cap and operable toselectively vary the bearing pressure of said block against said supportbar, said adjusting screw means being accessible from exteriorly of saidjoint assembly.

5. An assembly as set forth in claim 4, together with a casing adjacentsaid edge member opening extending outwardly therefrom to receive andenclose said support bar end, said adjusting screw being exposed,through the top wall of said opening, and means defining a compartmentextending upwardly from said casing and protectively encasing saidexposed adjusting screw.

6. An assembly as set forth in claim 4, wherein said cap is providedwith ribs on the inner surface thereof to prevent relative slidingmovement between said cap and said block.

7. A composite expansion joint assembly comprising: a pair of edgemembers adapted to define the opposite sides of an expansion groovebetween bridge deck sections; at least one of said edge members havingopenings therethrough; laterally spaced support bars extendingtransversely of said groove with at least one end of said bar extendingthrough said openings beyond the side of said groove; a plurality ofelongated resiliently yieldable sealing elements in a side-by-siderelation extending longitudinally of said groove; elongated rigidstructural members interposed between said sealing elements andextending lengthwise thereof; said structural members being supported onsaid support bars for lateral sliding movement relative thereto; meanssupporting said support bars for sliding movement relative theretoadjacent at least one end thereof; and means on said structural membersand said support bars coacting for limiting vertical displacement of theformer relative to the latter, said limiting means including restrainingbar means on a support bar and bracket means depending from a structuralmember and engageable with said restraining bar means from beneath andat spaced points therealongv 8. An assembly as set forth in claim 7wherein said bracket means has fastening means disposed beneath said barmeans and engageable therewith at spaced points therealong.

9. An assembly as set forth in claim 8 wherein said fastening meansincludes means defining bearing surfaces for hearing engagement withsaid bar means at spaced points therealong.

10. A composite expansion joint assembly comprising: a pair of edgemembers adapted to define the pposite sides of an expansion groovebetween bridge deck sections; at least one of said edge members havingopenings therethrough; laterally spaced support bars extendingtransversely of said groove with at least one end of said bar extendingthrough said openings beyond the side of said groove; a plurality ofelongated resiliently yieldable sealing elements in a side-by-siderelation extending longitudinally of said groove; elongated rigidstructural members interposed between said sealing elements andextending lengthwise thereof; said structural members being supported onsaid support bars for lateral sliding movement relative thereto; meanssupporting said support bars for sliding movement relative theretoadjacent at least one end thereof; and means for equalizing the lateralmovement of said structural members and said sealing elements, saidequalizing means comprising at least one leaf spring means disposedbetween adjacent structural members and means mounting each of said leafspring means below each of said sealing elements.

11. An assembly as set forth in claim 10 wherein said mounting meanscomprises plates mounted to said edge channels and to the lower ends ofsaid structural members in spaced relation to said support bars; each ofsaid springs spanning the space between adjacent plates and rigidlysecured at one end thereof to one of said adjacent plates and bearingagainst the other of said adja cent plates.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION PATENT NO. 4, 03

DATED i September 9, 1975 INVENTORG) I H. Allen Becht, James Campbell,

. mes J. Ke schner nd Edward Kr. llman It rs certrfre firat errorappears frr the above-Sientrfred patent angthat sar Letters Patent arehereby corrected as shown below On the Front Page, left column:

[75] "James Campbell, Kenmore" should be changed to -James Campbell,Hamilton, Ontario, Canada-- "James J. Kerschner, Boston, all of N.Y.should be changed to -James J. Kerschner, Kenmore, N.Y.--

"Edward J. Krollman, Hamilton, Canada" should be changed to --Edward J.Krollman, Boston, N.Y.-.

Sign! and Scalcd this [mm] Second D y of M1975 R ASIZC. gA0N C."AISUAl-L DAN" 8 ff (nmmissiuner ufPatenu and Trldenlarh Disclaimer3,904-,303.-H. Allen Becht, Villiamsvillc, James Campbell, Kenmore,James J.

Kerschner, Boston, N.Y., and Edward J. Krollma'n, Hamilton, 011- tario,Canada. COMPOSITE EXPANSION JOINT ASSEMBLY. Patent dated Sept. 9, 1975.Disclaimer filed Nov. 7 1975, by assignee, Acme H z'ghwag ProductsCorporation.

The term of this patent subsequent to Aug. 20, 1991, has beendisclaimecl.

[Oficial Gazette J (muam 13, 1976.]

1. A composite expansion joint assembly comprising: a pair of edgemembers adapted to define the opposite sides of an expansion groovebetween bridge deck sections; at least one of said edge members havingopenings therethrough; laterally spaced support bars extendingtransversely of said groove with at least one end of said bar extendingthrough said openings beyond the side of said groove; a plurality ofelongated resiliently yieldable sealing elements in a side-by-siderelation extending longitudinally of said groove; elongated rigidstructural members interposed between said sealing elements andextending lengthwise thereof; said structural members being supported onsaid support bars for lateral sliding movement relative thereto; meanssupporting said support bars for sliding movement relative theretoadjacent at least one end thereof; restraining means bearing againstsaid support bars adjacent at least said one end thereof for limitingvertical displacement thereof, and means for selectively adjusting thebearing pressure of said restraining means against said support bar. 2.An assembly as set forth in 1, said restraining means comprising a blockof resiliently yieldable material and an outer layer of anti-frictionwear resistant material bearing against said support bar.
 3. An assemblyas set forth in 2, together with an intermediate layer of rigid materialbetween said block and said outer layer.
 4. An assembly as set forth in3, together with a cap mounted on said block, adjusting screw meansengaging said cap and operable to selectively vary the bearing pressureof said block against said support bar, said adjusting screw means beingaccessible from exteriorly of said joint assembly.
 5. An assembly as setforth in claim 4, together with a casing adjacent said edge memberopening extending outwardly therefrom to receive and enclose saidsupport bar end, said adjusting screw being exposed, through the topwall of said opening, and means defining a compartment extendingupwardly from said casiNg and protectively encasing said exposedadjusting screw.
 6. An assembly as set forth in claim 4, wherein saidcap is provided with ribs on the inner surface thereof to preventrelative sliding movement between said cap and said block.
 7. Acomposite expansion joint assembly comprising: a pair of edge membersadapted to define the opposite sides of an expansion groove betweenbridge deck sections; at least one of said edge members having openingstherethrough; laterally spaced support bars extending transversely ofsaid groove with at least one end of said bar extending through saidopenings beyond the side of said groove; a plurality of elongatedresiliently yieldable sealing elements in a side-by-side relationextending longitudinally of said groove; elongated rigid structuralmembers interposed between said sealing elements and extendinglengthwise thereof; said structural members being supported on saidsupport bars for lateral sliding movement relative thereto; meanssupporting said support bars for sliding movement relative theretoadjacent at least one end thereof; and means on said structural membersand said support bars coacting for limiting vertical displacement of theformer relative to the latter, said limiting means including restrainingbar means on a support bar and bracket means depending from a structuralmember and engageable with said restraining bar means from beneath andat spaced points therealong.
 8. An assembly as set forth in claim 7wherein said bracket means has fastening means disposed beneath said barmeans and engageable therewith at spaced points therealong.
 9. Anassembly as set forth in claim 8 wherein said fastening means includesmeans defining bearing surfaces for bearing engagement with said barmeans at spaced points therealong.
 10. A composite expansion jointassembly comprising: a pair of edge members adapted to define theopposite sides of an expansion groove between bridge deck sections; atleast one of said edge members having openings therethrough; laterallyspaced support bars extending transversely of said groove with at leastone end of said bar extending through said openings beyond the side ofsaid groove; a plurality of elongated resiliently yieldable sealingelements in a side-by-side relation extending longitudinally of saidgroove; elongated rigid structural members interposed between saidsealing elements and extending lengthwise thereof; said structuralmembers being supported on said support bars for lateral slidingmovement relative thereto; means supporting said support bars forsliding movement relative thereto adjacent at least one end thereof; andmeans for equalizing the lateral movement of said structural members andsaid sealing elements, said equalizing means comprising at least oneleaf spring means disposed between adjacent structural members and meansmounting each of said leaf spring means below each of said sealingelements.
 11. An assembly as set forth in claim 10 wherein said mountingmeans comprises plates mounted to said edge channels and to the lowerends of said structural members in spaced relation to said support bars;each of said springs spanning the space between adjacent plates andrigidly secured at one end thereof to one of said adjacent plates andbearing against the other of said adjacent plates.